We have found that prepositional phrases may serve as adverbs by modifying verbs. These phrases usually follow the verb they modify; however, the phrase may begin the sentence.

Directions:

In each sentence below a verb is underlined. Click to select the adverbial prepositional phrase that modifies that verb.

1.

Thewinterstartedwithcoldwinds.

2.

Thefirstsnowfellamongthetrees.

3.

Nearthehouse, thesnowdrifted.

4.

Beneaththesnow, theleavesrested.

5.

Thewindshookthetreeswithgreatforce.

6.

Snowdriftsformedagainstthefence.

7.

Thetrafficstoppedduringthestorm.

8.

Kidswalkedupthehill.

9.

Skiersskieddowntheslope.

10.

Withintheirhomes, thevillagerskeptwarm.

11.

Outsidethehouse, thesnowflakessoftlyfell.

12.

Withoutcarchains, thefamilystayedhome.

13.

Thefamilyremainedbesidethefireplace.

14.

Skaterswere arrivingaroundthepond.

15.

Smoothicewas restingbelowthesnow.

16.

Childrenskateduntilmidnight.

17.

Thewindhowledoutsidethehouse.

18.

Thechildrenwere frozenlikeicecubes.

19.

Hotchocolatewas servedbythefireplace.

20.

Throughthewinter, weenjoyedthesnowandcold.

Note:

A comma is normally used to mark off a long prepositional phrase when the phrase starts a sentence. A comma may be correctly used to mark off any prepositional phrase starting the sentence if it is understood that the reader will make a pause at the comma. For the purpose of this study, all introductory prepositional phrases are marked off for clarity. As a writer, you decide. When there is doubt, use the comma rather than omitting it. This subject will be covered in more detail later in this study.